Vauxhall

SuperNova returns to WVL
  • Anthony
  • No Comments

The SuperNova returns to Windsor
The SuperNova returns to Windsor https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/supernova-featured.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Here at WVL, we like to build long-standing relationships with our customers, and of course, the vehicles we lease, sell, and maintain. Imagine our surprise when we received news about a vehicle which left our forecourt some 25 years ago!…

Between the years 1971–2011, as A.A.Clark, we were Windsor’s local Ford and Vauxhall dealership at our Clarence Road site. During this time we were were delighted to be one of the selected dealerships for a Vauxhall promotion involving a car being given away every six months somewhere in the UK. Back in 1991, that grand prize was a very desirable, brand new Vauxhall Nova – a successful family car of the era.

Whilst going through the archives when updating our WVL website a few years back, we found a wonderful selection of photographs and included some of them in a slideshow on our About page, where they help give a visual history of our company. That selection included the handover shot of a Vauxhall Nova to its lucky winner back in 1991 – here’s the original photo:

Vauxhall Nova returns to Windsor after 25 years

The photo was spotted by eagle-eyed Nova owner, Alex Carter, who had come across our website in trying to trace the history of his recently purchased Nova ‘Trip’. He was very surprised to see that the number plate of the car in our photo was a match with that of his own vehicle!

A committed vintage car fan, Alex had a longstanding affinity with Novas, purchasing a brown one in 1996 before purchasing this red one just last year.

Alex contacted us to see if we had any documentation for the vehicle – service records and so on, which of course we still did!… And not just that, a good number of our current staff were with the company at the time and could recall the handover. It emerged that it was still being serviced by us as AA Clark until 2005 whereupon it began its migration northwards!

Realising that the little car’s 25th birthday was approaching, Alex said he’d like to make the 800 mile round trip and reacquaint the car with its starting point for the first of its 80,000 miles. No mean feat for a 25-year old car with a 1-litre engine… in the middle of summer with no aircon!

Alex, and JT, his Nova, made the long trip down to Windsor this August, and we made sure they received a reception in grand WVL style… Not only was it a hoot to see the car after all of this time – and in such good condition too – but it was also a pleasure to meet Alex, such a committed and enthusiastic owner. We were delighted to be able to extend our hospitality to him, even giving him a tour of Windsor and the local sights. All in all, a very memorable day for all!

Organised by our PR department, the local press came along too and the story made it into the Ascot, Windsor & Eton Express as well as on their website.

Vauxhall Nova returns to Windsor after 25 years

Alex made the return trip safely and wrote to thank us:

I wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone at WVL who made my day so special. You made both of us feel very special and very welcome. You all went far beyond what I hoped for – honestly I only hoped to get a picture outside the dealership and perhaps meet you for a few minutes of your time – my expectations were blown out the water! I had an absolutely fantastic time which I will never forget.

We’re thrilled to have had this reunion with a 25-year old vehicle supplied by us, just goes to show the power of the internet! The car certainly earnt the moniker #SuperNova as used in our tweets sharing the news at the time…

…And lastly, for the eagle-eyed among you, did you spot it was a Nova ‘Trip’? Have a look on the signage on the roof in the first photo above – couldn’t be a more apt model!

WVL's month-long Test Drive Event
  • Anthony
  • No Comments

#TestDriveYourBestDrive 2016 – the Results are in!
#TestDriveYourBestDrive 2016 – the Results are in! https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/TDYBD-results-featured.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

The start of September marks the end of our month-long test drive event – from the early days of #SmallCarWeek through to the grand scale of #7SeaterWeek – our forecourt has been what feels like an Olympic-scale arena for this first-of-a-kind showcase of motoring might!  Now a time for reflection on proceedings, did Windsor Vehicle Leasing also strike gold? It’s a firm ‘YES’ as far as we’re concerned.

Firstly, we’re extremely grateful to all the manufacturers who have provided vehicles for the event – Audi, BMW, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Mahindra, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Peugeot Citroen, Renault, Vauxhall, Volkswagen and Volvo. The collaboration has been much appreciated and the key-for-key swaps worked seamlessly. It showed the strength of our relationships and the confidence all the manufacturers have in their brands. No-one is afraid to stand comparison with anyone else. There seemed to be a consensus that what we were doing was a great idea, with more than one manufacturer pointing out that they couldn’t understand why no-one had come up with this concept before.

We would also like to thank the customers, existing and potential, who made the effort to come along and do the test drives. Hopefully they found the unique opportunity to compare brands and technologies worthwhile. In some instances, it was enough for visitors to sit in the cars; get that feeling which no amount of online research can replace.

WVL Test Drive event Small Car Week

WVL Test Drive Event, week 2 - Family Saloon Week

We’re aware that WVL may not necessarily see the direct benefits of this unique event, though it can only be a positive that we had so many visitors and enquiries. It was our intention to shake the tree during the traditionally quiet month of August and if the fruit fell elsewhere, then the industry was still the winner. It’s a bonus that we have quoted for and won business as a result.

The event was publicised through the local press and via social media across our Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn accounts where each individual car’s arrival was posted online. If some of the puns which accompanied the postings were excruciating, please allow for wordplay fatigue by Week 4! Nevertheless, good old footfall played a key part in us getting as many bookings as we did. Our position on Clarence Road usually guarantees interest from passing customers and there’s nothing like a line of new, gleaming cars to catch people’s attention.

WVL Test Drive Event, week 3 - SUV Week

WVL Test Drive Event, week 4 - 7-Seater Week

There’s no doubt, weeks three and four – the SUV and 7-seater weeks – provoked huge interest, as well as testing our forecourt organisation and parking skills. However, all four weeks, including small cars and family saloons, provided excellent opportunities, both for customers and the staff of WVL to familiarise themselves with the very latest models and technology, meaning Windsor Vehicle Leasing can continue to provide the most comprehensive and tailored customer experience.

There seemed to be a consensus that what we were doing was a great idea, with more than one manufacturer pointing out that they couldn’t understand why no-one had come up with this concept before.

It’s fair to say, the vehicles supplied showed that nowadays, there’s not really such a thing as a bad car. Probably the area of greatest change and progress is the on-board technology. Time in a vehicle is important. It would be easy to become a nervous wreck without exposure to and proficiency in the safety systems, including lane control, collision alerts and integrated braking systems. Even knowing how to start a car these days can be an adventure, though it’s always simple enough once you know! Interestingly, no-one seemed inclined to try the self-parking modes! Seems we still like control!

Of course the selection of vehicles not only gave many of our visitors the opportunity to have a fresh look at classic models, but also a first close-up look at relatively new technologies such as hybrids and electric cars.

For us at WVL, there was the bonus of a visit from a sporting icon. As you may have seen in our posts on the day, West Indian legend Gordon Greenidge, one of the finest opening batsmen of all time, took the opportunity to come by. Just for a while, the gleaming cars were outshone and talk of the off-drive replaced the test drive!

It is our firm intention to repeat this event in the future. Of course, others may try to do so in the meantime… but we’ll always know we were first!

If you’ve spotted something in the line-ups above, or would like a quote on a particular vehicle, please get in touch. Our Configurator allows you to spec-up a vehicle to your exact requirements, though we’d be happy to offer advice and suggestions if you’re at all unsure. Either way, try our online Quote Form, email us at [email protected], LiveChat with one of our leasing experts using the tab at the bottom of the screen, or simply call us on 01753 851 561, and let’s talk leasing!

  • Anthony
  • No Comments

The Week In Motoring #8
The Week In Motoring #8 https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/featured-8.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Land Rover’s Latest Innovation

Land Rover has revealed that they have developed an innovation that will allow drivers to see through their own bonnets and view the terrain below with the use of augmented technology.

The car giant claims that the new technology will render the bonnet ‘virtually’ invisible from inside the vehicle. Whilst this may not be of significant use to road users, Land Rover do say that it will considerably enhance their vehicles’ off-road ability.

Land Rover’s director of research and technology, Dr. Wolfgang Epple has said of the technology, ‘As our vehicles become more capable and autonomous off-road we will ensure the driver has the confidence to allow the car to continue to progress over any terrain.’ He goes on to exclaim how technology will hold a key part in the future of the motor industry: ‘We believe the next 25 years will be the most exciting and dynamic that the automotive industry has ever experienced. There will be huge strides in environmental innovation in safety and capability.’

The transparent bonnet, along with a whole host of new technologies, is to be showcased at the New York International Motorshow which gets under way on April 16th.

Record First Quarter for Mercedes Vans

The number of Mercedes vans registered in the first quarter of 2014 is 12.5% up on the same period last year. Totalling 6,619 units and marking the fifth consecutive quarter that Mercedes has experienced growth for their vans, this sets a record high for the German manufacturer.

Additionally, parts, 24hour roadside recovery and sales of service contracts have all also experienced very solid first quarters, with the latter achieving 178% of its targets.

The managing director of Mercedes-Benz Vans, Steve Bridge, attributes the record breaking start to 2014 to the “hard work and commitment of a fantastic team.”

Ultra-Low Emission Zone to Arrive in London

London is to become the first city in the world to have an ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) which would encompass all types of vehicles. The zone will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is expected to cover an area of central London similar to the current Congestion Charge zone.

Transport for London are currently gaining stakeholders’ views on the proposal before publishing the consultation document next year and a ULEZ order next year (2015). This would then allow fleets 5 years to change their transport operations to ensure that their vehicles comply with new rules before the ULEZ takes effect in 2020.

The new Euro 6 compliance standards for mono-nitrogen oxides (NOx) is expected to be the key entry requirement into the ULEZ. With over 25% of road NOx emissions in central London being accounted for by cars and vans, the Euro 6 compliance standards are seen as vitally important to aiding the reduction of bad emissions by reducing NOx by up to 70%.

Autocar raise the valid point that it’s “another step towards banning older diesel and petrol-powered private cars from the city centre” posing sigificant financial implications for many ordinary Londoners.

Faced with such changes to legislation and regulations, it’s no wonder leasing is fast becoming a preferred means of motoring, offering not just flexibility, but reassurance and compliance too. Call us on 01753 851561 to discuss how leasing can be of benefit to you.

Car of the Week

Our car of the week this week is this super Vauxhall Corsa Energy 1.2VVTi 5Dr Hatch – available to lease, or purchase:

Year / Reg 2013
Mileage 190
Engine 1.2L
Fuel Petrol
Gearbox Manual
Consumption (combined) 51.4mpg
CO2 emissions 129g/km
0-62mph 13.6 seconds
Engine Power 85bhp
Colour Carbon Flash Black

Vauxhall Corsa Energy 1.2VVTi 5Dr Hatch

This super runabout is available on 4-year and 3-year lease deals. If you’d like to book a test drive or talk to us out about the options, then don’t hesitate to call on 01753 851561.

  • Anthony
  • No Comments

Staff Profile: Martin Callaway, Operations Manager
Staff Profile: Martin Callaway, Operations Manager https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/martin-c-featured.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Track Record

As with most things in life the best place to start is at the beginning, so let me take you back 37 years to my first time at the company. Having carried out just 4 days of work experience at AA Clark, through charm, skill and a little bit of luck, I was offered the role as an apprentice in 1977. Working on the petrol forecourt, there was never a dull moment, perhaps best demonstrated by being given the responsibility of filling up the Queen’s Rolls Royce’s on several occasions!

During my time as an apprentice I was able to learn all aspects of the motor trade: parts department, service department and workshop. I remember the first car I worked alone on was a PDi inspection on a Vauxhall Viva BBL 70T sold to a Mrs. Cartwright. To my delight the car was still going the last time I saw it in 2010!

It wasn’t just Mrs. Cartwright and the Queen’s cars that I dealt with during my time as an apprentice, with Prince Andrew, Prince Charles and many old generals who used to live at Windsor Castle also among the customers whose cars I helped repair. Not bad for a teenager!

In 1979 I moved to the service department as a junior receptionist before being promoted to Assistant to the Service Manager in 1984. Throughout the years I went on to become Service Manager at Merry’s in Egham, Maintenance Controller at WVL before taking up my current role as Operations Manager in 2006.

Cars are my real passion in life and I’ll give anything vehicle related a go. Ever the perfectionist, you’ll often see me putting the finishing touches to cars before they are moved to our retail site.

Despite being 37 years older (or ‘more experienced’ as I like to say) than I was when I first landed on AA Clark’s doorstep, the Chairman still insists on calling me BOY or Fozzie Bear. Terms of endearment, I hope!

Extra Curricular…

I’ve always lived in Maidenhead and try to embrace the local community. With a keen interest in football I like to watch the local non-league football team (Maidenhead United) play as often as possible. When I’m not watching football I like to play golf at Maidenhead Golf Club as an Artisan member. From time to time I like to dabble in a bit of DIY and gardening work as well as taking trips out on my mountain bike and visiting the local art centre to watch the local theatre groups.

If I find myself with some spare time at the weekends, my wife and I like to visit local National Trust properties/locations, of which there is a surprisingly large number in the area.

Recently, I have been attempting to relive my youth by watching some of my favourite bands of yesteryear including Madness, Squeeze and Eagles. Next up is the Henley Rewind Festival that I’ll be attending later this year.

Favourite Rides

My favourite owned car was my MK 3 Ford Cortina GXL. Bronze in colour, with 16” Wolf race alloy wheels, red painted brake callipers and brake drums, 4 front spot lights, bucket seats, radio cassette with graphic equaliser it was one of the best looking cars in town and, after I tinkered with the twin webber carburettor, was also one of the fastest. A lovely anecdote arose when a policeman stopped me for speeding only to have him comment on how good looking the car was and thereon wave at me whenever he saw me out and about in town.

Unfortunately with my future wife only being 5ft tall she couldn’t see over the steering wheel and, as she had to drive the car to work every day, I had a tough choice to make: her or the car. In the end she won by a short head mainly because I knew she wouldn’t get rusty with age (but with similar running costs). And so with a tear in my eye I had to send my baby to a new home.

CortinaImage © REX FEATURES

Unashamedly, watching re-runs of ‘Life on Mars‘ brings back fond memories of the Cortina. I still miss that car so if you see a Bronze MK 3 Cortina NLF 388K on your travels please let me know!

Unfortunately, due to time constraints (as well as the Mrs nagging me) I wasn’t able to have a good look round the recent Ford owners club meet that I stumbled across in Somerset. Alas, I know when the next one is so I’ll be going to that one on my own, and maybe…

Beyond my own collection I don’t have a favourite car, but I’ve shortlisted some of the cars I’ve enjoyed here, by type:

Small car – Audi A1 / BMW 120d, typical German engineering, top quality.

Mid/Small range – Honda Civic* 5Dr 1.6 I-dtec Se-t. Very good car, comfortable, very good MPG, and low CO₂ and running costs.

Mid Range – Audi 2.0TDi A4 S-Line… almost perfection.

Luxury – Any Jaguar XF will do. It’s impossible to look out of place anywhere.

4×4 – Range Rover Sport. It makes me feel important.

Dream Car – Any Aston Martin as long as someone else pays for the fuel & insurance… and tells the wife!

Connect with Martin in the Maintenance & Bodyshop team by phone on 01753 801914, by email [email protected] and join his network on LinkedIn too.

  • Anthony
  • No Comments

The Week In Motoring
The Week In Motoring https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/insignia.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Vauxhall Insignia Named Company Car of the Year

Business Car Manager have announced that the Vauxhall Insignia has been named the SME Company Car of the Year. The winner was decided by a high profile panel, chaired by Business Secretary Vince Cable, who were said to be impressed with not only the improved overall quality of the car but more specifically technological and style improvements as well as the further lowering of emissions. ‘Cheap to run and good to drive, the Insignia seems like a real no-compromise company car,’ (BCM).

The Insignia also picked up Best Large Company Car and Best Company Car for Tax Categories. Call WVL on 01753 851561 to discuss our current best leasing deal for your business!

Audi Q3 – the Fastest Selling Used Car

It is believed that the weather warnings and threats of storms have had a significant effect on consumer purchasing habits with 7 out of the top 10 selling used cars being 4x4s. With an average time span of 33.5 days spent on dealers’ forecourts, the Audi Q3 is currently the fastest selling used car in the UK. A close second was the Jeep Patriot which spent an average of 36.2 days on the forecourts. Mercedes Benz R-Class was this month’s slowest selling used car for the second month running, spending an average of 136.3 days on the forecourts.

Fiat Professional Announce 70% Increase in Sales

Fiat Professional have announced a 70% increase in sales, over twice that of their nearest rivals. The growth sees their UK LCW market share rise from 1.5% to 4.4%. They saw sales of over 13,500 units in 2013 despite not releasing any all-new models.

It seems there is no slowing down for the manufacturer this year with Fiat Professional director, Sebastiano Federigo stating, ‘With even more in the pipeline for 2014, we’re looking forward to another strong performance this year.’

Vauxhall Vans Make it 12 Years at Number 1

Building over 44,000 vans from their Luton plant in 2013, Vauxhall has retained the title of Britain’s number 1 van maker for the 12th year running. The figure is over 3 times that of their nearest rivals. Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director, Duncan Aldred, hailed the Vauxhall Vivaro as the ‘lynchpin’ of their ‘award-winning’ van range.

The new Vivaro is currently in pre-production and will go on sale later this year.

Chevrolet Unveils the Camaro Z/28.R

If you like your cars a little more rare and exotic, Chevrolet have unveiled their latest endurance racer: the Camaro Z/28.R. Unsurprisingly based on the Z/28, it contains the same 7.0L V8 engine and generates approximately 505bhp. Where this car differs from the road car is through the addition of a front splitter, rear splitter and belly pan which all improve the car’s downforce.

Mark Kent, Chevy’s motorsport director, says of the Z/28.R, ‘Apart from series-mandated equipment and the specialised suspension components needed for endurance racing, it’s as close to a production-spec race car as you’ll find.’

Additional details on the racer a likely to be announced once the car makes its track debut.

  • Anthony
  • No Comments

Vehicle Profile: The Vauxhall Ampera
Vehicle Profile: The Vauxhall Ampera https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/ampera.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

With the Vauxhall Ampera winning the coveted European Car of the Year 2012, we now look at its 2013 successor. WVL’s Account Manager, Alan Robinson, puts the car through its paces and reports back for the blog!

The Test Drive
Having driven the Vauxhall Ampera over the last week I can safely say that I absolutely love it. It’s solid and comfortable, easy to drive and, being electric, very quiet. There are no worries about running out of battery power either because it has a petrol generator under the bonnet. This means that there is a range of 300 miles so there was no need to look for a socket to plug it in every 30 miles on my way to down south last weekend!

The car looks good inside and out while acceleration is very smooth and very fast. Leather upholstery and heated seats are standard across the range and the model I drove also had satellite navigation which helped me when I got lost in Brighton. The only thing that didn’t suit me was the numerous buttons on the centre console but I guess that’s just me…

With a 25-50 mile range on electric and an ‘extended range mode’ of over 350 miles when the petrol-generated motor kicks in you need never experience what is known as ‘range anxiety’ when driving the Ampera. When the battery runs low there is a seamless and unnoticeable changeover as the petrol generator kicks in – a fantastic coup.

ampera-driving
Vauxhall Ampera

 

Figures

CO₂ 27g/km
MPG 235.4
Transmission Automatic
Engine 0cc
Fuel Electric ER

ampera-refueling

 

Personal Tax Position

Monthly Benefit In Kind
% Rate BIK Value 20% Tax Rate 40% Tax Rate 45% Tax Rate
5 £1,771 £29 £59 £66

 

Options
The Ampera is available in two different models: the Positiv and the Electron. The Electron is a more ‘advanced’ model of the Ampera, with its additional features mainly surrounding entertainment with improved speakers, a DVD player and an inbuilt Hard Drive Device (HDD). The Electron starts from £30,495 compared to £28,750 for the Positiv. Contact us for the latest leasing deals on this vehicle.

The basic colour is Solid Black, but additional colours are available ranging from £275.00 for Summit White to £995.00 for Crystal Red.

Whether you’re looking to buy – or lease – an Ampera, it’s well worth a test drive. Call us today on 01753 851 561 to book yours! 

Enter your
text here